KATRA: The School Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University organized a Guest Lecture under the DBT-PGT Program on the topic "Modelling Simulation and Optimization of Bioprocesses” delivered by Visiting Faculty, Prof Ashok Kumar Srivastava, from Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, IIT Delhi. Prof. Srivastava spoke about the importance of simulation and optimization of Bioprocesses and its relevance in the field of Biotechnology and further elaborated on the design of bioprocesses for efficient metabolite production using microbial cultures, plant cells and animal cells.
Prof. Srivastava, is a Ph.D. from McGill University, Montreal; and has been a faculty member in Biochemical Engineering & Food Technology Department HB Technological Institute, Kanpur for 10 years and subsequently worked at Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, IIT Delhi for almost 30 years. He is an eminent scholar and recipient of several awards & scholarships; National Overseas Scholarship award of MHRD, New Delhi for Ph.D. studies (1985-1990), UNESCO fellowship award (6 months) Delft University,
The Netherlands, "Biotechnology Overseas Associate ship" Germany& New Zealand to name a few. During his talk, he highlighted the significance of process parameter optimization, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and agitation, in enhancing microbial growth and product formation. He deliberated on how process optimization is important to streamline operations and maximize resource utilization in project management to improve overall output, waste reduction, and minimization of errors. He elucidated how simulation can be used for designing and modelling of indigenous bioreactors for maximizing yields.
The audience actively participated with their view points and doubts which were appreciated by the speaker for their relevance and enthusiasm. He also appreciated the efforts of the Department, which is going in the right direction towards achieving excellence with the kind of achievements it has attained in its short span in terms of research publications and presentations made by the student and scholars during his visit to the various labs. Dr. Raju Shankarayan, Assistant Professor, School of Biotechnology, formally introduced the guest speaker who had been his mentor and Professor at DBEB, IIT Delhi during his Ph.D. programme at IIT Delhi. All the DYD, Undergraduate, Postgraduate students, Ph.D. Scholars and Faculty Members of Biotechnology, were greatly benefited from the lecture and the display of Virtual Labs he has created at IIT Delhi.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks given by Dr. Sharada Potukuchi, Associate Professor, School of Biotechnology which was made possible by the financial assistance granted under DBT PG Teaching Program (Project RP-132) coordinated by her. She also thanked Dr Ratna Chandra, Head, Biotechnology; Dr. Sunil Kumar Wanchoo, Dean, Faculty of Sciences who facilitated administratively for conduct of the Lecture. Honourable Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Pragati Kumar congratulated the organizing team and emphasized upon conduct of such lectures by eminent experts in future also for the benefit of the students. The School of SoBT regularly organizes expert lectures and workshops in leading research and technology areas to ensure that the students of B.Tech, B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs are kept abreast of the latest research in the field of Biotechnology under various externally funded schemes.
